Hassan Danial Dar
CGSS Ambassador
Corona virus or commonly known as “COVID-19” is not a new term anymore. At this moment, almost everyone existing in this planet knows about this rapidly transmitting virus that took its beginning from Wuhan, China. At this moment, Corona virus has spread in 147 countries where it continues to haunt people. WHO (World Health Organization) has declared it as a global pandemic which is spreading at an alarming rate whereas; new cases are emerging by every passing second.
Mass Media is a key player in today’s era where it can be used to spread positive awareness. If we look towards the situation in Pakistan, the government has been very active in responding towards this pandemic where media is used as a vital tool for dissemination of precautions and safety measures that can help in preventing Corona Virus to spread further. Government of Pakistan is being praised in the global community for their quick and responsible course of actions that are being carried out ranging from spreading public awareness messages to putting ban on public gatherings where the virus can potentially spread. Print and electronic media outlets in Pakistan have been very responsible in providing regular updates about new research, precautions and newly emerging cases so that this virus can be contained and so far they have been successful in this effort as well, proving that Pakistani Media is responsible and capable of handling information at this magnitude.
On the other hand, the same Media is also used as a tool for spreading rumors and fake propaganda which can create fear and panic among public. It has been noted that lately, social media communication platforms are used to spread fake and manipulative news including, fake government documents and misinformation regarding COVID -19. Everyone is being a quack on social media sites claiming to know the real cure for this pandemic. In a country like Pakistan, such fake messages make the public misinformed and they start to believe the bogus messages that they are receiving through non-legitimate sources. Such deceiving news is extremely dangerous in such situations and all those spreading such information should be giving severe penalties. If we look towards how media is used negatively, key examples include: Skyrocketing price of Onion which is claimed to be effective against Corona Virus, extremely high price of face masks and n95 masks which is being countered by the administration and spreading absurd conspiracies regarding COVID-19.
The worst that can happen to Pakistan at this point is misguiding people through any information dissemination technique. Corona Virus can be contained if we all play an active role in eliminating this hazard and denying the fact that Corona Virus is not as deadly, is not the truth either, Yes, it is a deadly virus spreading globally but as Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Imran Khan, suggested that we have to fight with Corona Virus rather than being afraid of it and stop spreading unnecessary fear amongst the general public. It is high time for all of us to act as a responsible nation and use positive aspects of media in spreading valid information regarding COVID-19 and report all those who are involved in spreading or creating fake news to law enforcement authorities. In conclusion, it is requested that all the safety precautions provided by legitimate sources must be followed for your own safety as well as, all those around you and keep yourself updated with latest news regarding this pandemic. It started with a murderous beginning but together we can eliminate it.
